The Italo-Abyssinian—imbroglio seems to be one of the principal topies of conversation among the coal Chinese, in fact, more so than among foreigners. ' The local vernacular press have been fee their readers with all kinds of tall stories and startling forecasts of what is going to happen. Although, at frst, exchange became most erratic owing to war table and the possibility that the conflict could not be localized but would spread to Europe and that China would eventually be involved, it has now shown a much steadier and firmer tone. It was thought that this would help exports, but _unfortunately, no buyers appeared from abroad. Everybody seems footing a waiting and watchful attitude before definitely committing themselves for any large business transaction. wrong. They have their own opinion on this subject, and needless to say are not enamoured particularly with the League of Nations.
Potential Tientsin Business Quite 2 number of Japanese business men have arrived in Tientsin of late with the object of looking over the North China market and to see what prospects there are of open Ing up offices in Tientsin. It rumoured that the premises formerly occupied by the defunct American Oriental Banking Corporation in Rue de France might be occupied in the future by a large Japanese firm. said that negotiations already have been started for renting of the prem {ses ona long lease, but so far, nothing conerete has been arranged.
The South Manchuria Railway Ca. also are looking for suitable premises for a Tientsin branch office, preferably. in the British or French Con-ossians. The importance of a branch office in. Tientsin can be gauged from the fact that when the former Chinese Eastern Railway had a branch office in the French Con cession, prior to the Sino-Soviet conflict which resulted ju the tempora ary suspension of diplomatic relations between China and the Soviets, was quite a flourishing concern. They conducted all the bookings of passengers travelling to Europe vis the Trans-Siberian railway, besides a large godown and storage business and insurance. Now that the C.E.R. has been taken over by the Manchoukuo authorities, the S. M. Which has an eye on extending. and developing its trade with North China, is not slow to see the vast opportunities of having a branch office in Tientsin. They book pas-Sengers for Europe vid the Trans-oilway, besides continuing and godown business of the former C. E.R. Mr. Matsuoka, the head of the S. M. TR. is giving his personal attention to the opening of the branch office in Tientsin, when suitable premises can be found. It ig his intention to maintain a large staff of employees thoroughly con versant with conditions in North China, and it is possible that the present manager of the Dairen office of the S, M.R, will be transferred to Tientsin.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.